To read about player observations from Seattle’s match against Celaya FC click here
The 2016 preseason hasn’t exactly gone as expected for the Sounders. While winning is never crucial in the preseason, Seattle has only managed to win a 45 minute, reserve heavy scrimmage against FC Tucson, with only a potential match against the LA Galaxy remaining. Regardless, these preseason games have been telling about the current state of the team and the direction they are heading, as they prepare for the Champion’s League opener and the 2016 MLS season.
Here are some thoughts:
The 4-3-3 is promising but far from a finished product
One of the biggest talking points of the preseason has been coach Sigi Schmid’s transition to the 4-3-3 formation. So far the results have been less than stellar but that isn’t for a lack of good chances. In all three matches, Seattle was able to consistently threaten opposing defenses, but were only able to muster up a single goal each time. To make things worse, Seattle’s predicted starting XI has scored only one goal in the preseason, a Nelson Valdez header against Celaya FC. For a side that plays their first competitive game in two weeks, the lack of scoring has to be concerning. With time though, the Sounders should be as deadly as ever, but it is something to keep an eye on.
The Joneses are the preseason standouts
Entering camp expectations for both players were quite different. Joevin Jones was expected to be the starting left back come opening day but would have to earn the starting job. Darwin Jones, although a promising player, was finding himself low on the depth chart, dropping even further when Seattle signed Jordan Morris. But throughout the preseason, both players were able to showcase their speed and ability to great effect. Darwin was Seattle’s biggest threat up top, scoring two goals in three games, and Joevin was a menace down the wings, giving opposing defenses fits all the while maintaining a strong defensive presence. While it appears that Joevin has won the starting role, Darwin has surely placed himself just behind Jordan Morris, and should expect to see playing time in the new forward heavy system.
The young Center Backs have been less than impressive
While the top two or three spots in the center back depth chart are taken for, there has been some serious competition between Roberto Chen, Jimmy Ockford and Damien Lowe for the back up center back spot alongside Zach Scott. Many thought Chen would be the front-runner for that spot, myself included, but his inconsistent form against MLS bench players has hurt his stock. Fortunately for him, neither Lowe nor Ockford have done much better. Lowe has suffered from inconsistency as well while Ockford looked good against the Whitecaps, but also made crucial mistakes against Celaya FC. As of this moment, my money is on Ockford but regardless who wins, none of them will be able to claim that they earned it.
